Grafton trainers have started the 2024 Grafton season well with winners at the early meetings. There are a number of local stables represented tomorrow so here are some other stables to watch that have already tasted success at home this year.
At the early February meeting Jason Reilly was successful when the very tough staying mare Subversive score a solid win in the BM 58 2220.
Ridden by Cobi Vidler Subversive had no luck early essentially caught in the cheap seats three deep with no cover until near the 1200m when Vidler was finally able to get in nearer the fence. The trailing position was short lived however with Vidler off again near the 600m to make sure he did not get held up on the one paced mare. In the end Subversive was way too go outstaying her rivals to go on win by more than two lengths.
The next Grafton trainer who was all smiles after a well earned victory was Greg Kilner when Spills scored a gutsy win in the Maiden 1720m.
Ridden by the in form Mollie Fitzgerald Spills had to do fair bit of work early to eventually find the position outside the leader near the 1000m.
Fitzgerald then went for home on the point of the home turn and although looking in trouble for most of the home straight when the attackers were looming Spills found enough to hold on to a narrow victory.
The next Grafton winner was newcomer to the area Cannon prepared by Greg Howells.
The former Victorian was very impressive in leading throughout to win the Maiden 1106m at the Country Championships meeting on February 17.
Ridden by Matt McGuren Cannon began well and took control of the race by the 700m and although there were some challengers in the run to the line he never really looked in danger of defeat. Creating a huge cheer from a big group of local owners.
The win by Cannon continues the good run of success being experienced by the Howells camp with horses purchased by the online auction system.
Interestingly with Grafton on tomorrow both Subversive and Cannon will be looking to improve their winning record.
Racing gets underway tomorrow at 1.10pm with gates open at 12.30pm.
